Remembering Patricia Thomas

On October 21, 2013 Golden Living Center Phoenixville honored Patricia Thomas for her 40 years of service by dedicating a Japanese Maple tree and park bench on the grounds in her name. Pat started in a temporary position as the Payroll Specialist in October of 1973, just three years after Golden Living Center Phoenixville opened its doors. Over the years and throughout the many name changes of the building, Pat remained a dedicated and loyal employee who cared about the well being of the residents and the facility while preserving its history and upholding its mission and values.

In July of 2013 Pat heavy-heartedly announced her departure from Golden Living Center Phoenixville due to health reasons. Throughout Pat’s 40 years of service she was employed as the Payroll Specialist and worked side by side with her mother, Isabelle Thomas who was the business office manager for more than 10 years and who is now a resident at the Center. “The best move I ever made was hiring Pat. I sat and watched her work and smiled. I hired her for a weekend to help me and she did such a good job that I had Pat stay on. I miss seeing her everyday, and bringing me my paper. I always knew Pat was here to take care of everything that needed to be done.” - Isabelle Thomas

One of the things that Pat loved in life was animals, especially cats. So it was only natural that when Golden Living Center Phoenixville had a cat show up on its front door step that Pat took a strong liking to him. Pat ran an ad in the paper in an effort to find his owner. When that failed she set up appointments at the vet for him and had the residents select a name (Boots). Pat would bring in her own treats and toys from home for Boots to enjoy and would take on all of the responsibilities that go along with having a pet to ensure that Boots remained healthy and well loved.

In her 40 years of service Pat had a great impact on not just the residents but also the staff at Golden Living Center Phoenixville. She was not only a fellow employee but a friend to provide a shoulder to cry on when her co-workers faced difficult times.

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“ Pat and I grew up together here in Phoenixville and then worked together for 32 years. The entire time I worked with Pat I always aid she was the go to person in our building. If anyone had a question about anything Pat would have the answer. She will be truly missed not only as a co-worker, but also as a friend.” - Monica Flott, Nursing Supervisor

“ Pat was such a special part of our ‘second family’ at Golden Living. She was always there with a sympathetic ear and a helping hand when anyone had HR issues they needed to resolve. If she didn’t know the answer she would call somebody who did. Her dedication went beyond work and she would help anyone who came to her with concerns about stray animals, especially cats. She was the one who was instrumental in taking in and caring for Boots who was dearly loved by the residents in the facility. Pat with her laugh, smile and quick wit will sadly be missed.” - Karen Cabot, Nursing Supervisor

“I will miss Pats warm heart and her beautiful smile. She will forever be in my heart, and I will always love and miss her.” - Wanda Barlow, CNA

Pat passed away on October 3, 2013. The Japanese Maple tree and park bench that can be viewed from her office will be a permanent memorial to Pat in honor of her exceptional long term service and in memory of the compassion and kindness she extended to all who knew her at Golden Living Center.